Jokowi’s Vietnam visit to boost cooperation

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo will visit Hanoi from Sept.11 to 12 to develop economic cooperation and expand market access between Vietnam and Indonesia.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Arrmanatha Nasir said viewing areas of potential, the president was keen to ensure that the two countries had the opportunity to co-operate further.

Vietnam and Indonesia have two of the largest populations in ASEAN, and both countries have shown strong economic growth over the past three years. In terms of trade and investment, the governments of both countries are determined to reduce trade barriers. (Vietnam News/ANN)

The leaders previously agreed to accelerate the implementation of an action plan to improve the Vietnam-Indonesia Strategic Partnership during the 2014-2018 period and also forge economic, trade and investment relations.

During his stay, Jokowi is scheduled to meet his Vietnamese counterpart Tran Dai Quang to discuss a number of issues, including co-operation in maritime and fisheries as well as the completion of Exclusive Economic Zone boundaries in the East Sea.

Arrmanatha said maritime border negotiations would be a lengthy process, and hoped for a political push from the two leaders to accelerate the work.

The governments of both nations will also sign two memoranda of understanding on health and tourism, as well as issue a joint communiqué on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.